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Fall’s Biggest Denim Trend *Might* Get You to Ditch Your Sweatpants (at Least for a Day)

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Since March, the amount of comfy, cozy leggings and sweatpants sold has skyrocketed, while denim has been plagued with the opposite effect. And it’s looking pretty dire; according to The Washington Post, denim sales were down double digits from May to July, compared to the same period last year. Go ahead, blame it entirely on Covid.

But we think there’s a single fall denim trend that could help make anyone revert to their previous denim-heavy habits: loose, straight leg jeans. A far cry from the leg-stifling skinnies and thigh-crushing cropped flares from years past, this looser style gives your legs some breathing room. But it’s not so voluminous that it feels tricky to style; in fact, it will work with all the flats, sneakers and heels you already own. However, if you do want to rock booties, I’d simply suggest going with a cropped pair, mostly so you can show off your cute shoes as much as possible.

Below, shop our 15 favorite takes on the roomy, straight leg jean look. BTW, don’t forget to reassure your sweatpants that you won’t totally abandon them for good.

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1 topshop ripped dad jeans
Nordstrom

1. Topshop Ripped Dad Jeans

They’re not mom jeans; they’re dad jeans. So, make like your dad and wear these everyday—without a hint of embarrassment.

Available in sizes 25 to 36.

2 trave vivienne raw hem crop straight leg jeans
Nordstrom

2. Trave Vivienne Raw Hem Crop Straight Leg Jeans

Wear these with camel colored ankle booties, to really show off that cropped hem.

Available in sizes 23 to 32.

3 ag alexxis distressed high waist straight jeans
Nordstrom

3. Ag Alexxis Distressed High Waist Straight Jeans

Ample distressing + a roomy fit = almost as comfy as sweats.

Available in sizes 23 to 31.

4 levi s ribcage straight ankle jeans
Amazon

4. Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans

Sure, the high-rise might be a bit more constricting than the waistband of your leggings, but it’s also universally flattering.

Available in sizes 23 to 28.

5 good american good straight with double chewed hem
11 Honoré

5. Good American Good Straight With Double Chewed Hem

Permission granted to wear white jeans long after Labor Day. Just be sure to show off that cool hem detail with an eye-catching shoe.

Available in sizes 12 to 24.

6 agolde crisscross upsized jeans
Shopbop

6. Agolde Crisscross Upsized Jeans

These extra-wide jeans have a cross-front button closure and, FYI, that little V-shape will make your waist look *chef’s kiss*.

Available in sizes 23 to 32.

7 rag bone ruth super high rise straight jeans
Olivela

7. Rag & Bone Ruth Super High-rise Straight Jeans

This dark shade pairs with a grey cashmere sweater for the chicest ensemble. Trust us.

Available in sizes 23 to 32.

8 goldsign the relaxed straight jeans
Shopbop

8. Goldsign The Relaxed Straight Jeans

Wear them now with easy slides and come fall, try them with some lace-up combat boots. Don’t forget the extra fuzzy socks.

Available in sizes 23 to 32.

9 eloquii straight leg jean
Eloquii

9. Eloquii Straight Leg Jean

Nothing against dark wash denim, but there’s something about this faded finish that we just can’t get over.

Available in sizes 14 to 28.

10 reformation juliet high straight relaxed jeans
Shopbop

10. Reformation Juliet High Straight Relaxed Jeans

If we were headed back to school this September, these would be on the top of our BTS clothing wish list. But since we’re full grown adults now, we’ll just go ahead and buy these.

Available in sizes 24 to 31.

11 madewell slim wide leg jeans in lunar wash
Madewell

11. Madewell Slim Wide-leg Jeans In Lunar Wash

These are technically considered “wide-leg” by Madewell standards, but they’re actually pretty slim on the leg. And look how damn cute they look with a striped tee.

Available in sizes 23 to 37, in Petite and Tall.

12 rag bone ruth faded high rise straight leg jeans
The Outnet

12. Rag & Bone Ruth Faded High-rise Straight-leg Jeans

Classic blue, flattering cut, can’t lose.

13 river island super high rise straight leg jeans
ASOS

13. River Island Super High Rise Straight Leg Jeans

Surprisingly easier to wear than boyfriend jeans. Yes, even with that cuff detail.

Available in sizes 2 to 14.

mother the scrapper mid rise ankle jeans
Saks Fifth Avenue

14. Mother The Scrapper Mid-rise Ankle Jeans

A mid-rise option, for all those who prefer denim that sits closer to the hip than the band of their bra.

15 american eagle slim straight jean
American Eagle

15. American Eagle Slim Straight Jean

The frayed hem looks good with jeans, ankle booties and heels. It’s truly our favorite thing about these American Eagle jeans (that are under $40!).



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Dena Silver

Fashion Editor

From 2019-2021 Dena Silver held the role of Fashion Editor covering product recommendations, trends, and what you should be shopping this season.
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